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When I first saw pictures of this artist i couldn't image that someone can brush this in photoshop. But it was true and now he is one of my favourite digital artists. JamesTu is a 20 year old student from the United Kingdom but worth enough for an interview.
His gallery can be seen on Deviantart
1.First of all we would like to thank you for taking the time for this interview. Please tell us more about your art and design background and what made you become an artist and designer?
I took art at The Oratory School in England and specialised in Art and Design during the last two years. During this time I was taught to draw and paint which defiantly captured my interest. However, it wasn’t until someone gave me a copy of Adobe Photoshop that I realised this was what I really wanted to do. I spent many hours just playing on that program and coming out with a lot of rubbish but gradually getting better. I took a foundation art course at Falmouth University which kept my options open but not surprisingly it sent me on towards my present course of Graphic Design.
My more personal art defiantly has its roots in painting which was where I started. I love the abstract, broken edges created by paint strokes and anything with texture and depth to it.
2.Your work is pretty unique and full of creativity. Where does your inspiration come from?
I love looking at other artists and designers work. I find them very inspiring; whether it is someone on my course or someone who is established in the industry just looking at their work gives me motivation to do my own. I find music is also a great inspiration, the feeling you get when you listen to ‘that’ song that gets you going has often been the starting point for my images. Really though, it’s hard to pin inspiration down to a few subjects, it can come from anywhere.
3.Could you describe for us your typical ‘start to finish’ workflow when working on a design?
I have two methods, both of which have their pros and cons. First, the spontaneous; these usually end up as some abstract realisation. A composition either in my head or scribbled in a notebook and a colour scheme is all I really think about when starting with this method. I am usually at my most experimental when working this way.
The second way is a more structured approach which generally stems from working from a brief. This involves research both visual and topical and follows a development path of research and idea generation right up until I start working on the outcome which by this point will be fully planned out before I have even started it.
4.What are your tools of the trade, both hardware and software?
Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, leaning more towards Photoshop. I occasionally use Poser and Indesign when the need arises. Away from the computer I like to use scans of paint and pencil as well as any interesting objects I can find. I also use a DSLR for my photographic needs.
My computer is moderately powerful with two screens and an A5 graphics tablet. Good speakers are also necessary to the creative process.
5.What, for you personally are the pros and cons of being a designer?
Well, as a student I don’t really count myself as a fully fledged designer yet. However from my experience so far I would say that working from a brief is both a blessing and a curse. The restrictions of time and subject help provide a direction to your work but they are just that; restrictions. Perhaps, for example, a fine artist may have more freedom in their work.
6.How does your job as an artist and designer influence your life?
Though not yet full time, it influences every area of my life. From the way I look at everyday items and scenes to the way I think.
7.Do you feel that you see things around you differently for example?
Yes indeed, I have found this most prominently when I look around me and can name types faces I encounter. The difference between ‘good’ design and ‘bad’ design is another one that keeps popping into my head when I walk down the street.
8.What are your favourite 5 websites?
Deviantart.com
YouTube.com
DepthCore.com
Newscientist.com
Google.co.uk
9.Once again , thank you very much for the interview. As a final word, do you have any tips for upcoming artists and designers?
Thanks as well. As for a tip, I would have to say it doesn’t matter if its rubbish as long as you learn from it and keep going.

My friend PaulW has uploaded a lot of great Photoshop brushes over at DeviantArt.com . If youre interested in abstract art you have to download them.
PaulW is an awesome graphic designer from the UK who made great brushes like abstract, grunge or vector brushes for you.
Here you can download his whole collection. Click on a picture to go to his download page. You can watch the same collection on his journal when you click here
Remember: Don't use them without credits to PaulW. Also no one is to distribute these brush packs via any other website without his permission